Well week two is here. The match that really stands out for me is the DF clasico between Pumas and Cruz Azul. After being gutted once again by TFC, I hope for some good football this weekend. Here is a preview by Luis Bueno over at Goal.com

By Luis Bueno

With the Mexican national team garnering attention for most of July, the start of the Apertura 2009 season was overshadowed somewhat by El Tri’s run to the Gold Cup final and their demolition of the U.S. But with El Tri silent for the first weekend since mid-June, the league can once again take center stage.

For now.

Come Aug. 12, the entire nation will once again have its eyes fixated on El Tri, and rightly so. Mexico will play a tremendously improtant match that day. That game will also affect league play as the domestic players called in for that game will gather with the national team and miss Jornada 3 games.

In the meantime, the league calendar features an attractive matchup in Sunday’s Pumas-Cruz Azul match. It does not, however, feature Atlante, whose match against San Luiswas moved to late August to accomodate Atlante’s Peace Cup performance.

Game of the Week

Pumas vs. Cruz Azul, Sunday 1 p.m. ET

The league is in for a treat as two of Mexico’s four most popular clubs meet early in the season. Pumas will host the encounter between two Mexico City sides. Since the Apertura 2004 season, however, this rivalry hasn’t been much of a rivalry. Cruz Azul has an 11-2-2 record in this series since the Apertura 2004 season in all competitions. Pumas, though, won the Clausura 2009 meeting but la Maquina beat Pumas in the CONCACAF Champions League. This match has a bit of extra significance to it. Both Pumas and Cruz Azul lost their first match of this season - Pumas 1-0 at Atlas and Cruz Azul 2-0 to Jaguares. A second consecutive loss to either side will no doubt bring out the critics, particularly if Cruz Azul falls to Pumas. Enrique Meza picked up his first win since joining the club on Thursday in Costa Rica as Cruz Azul beat Herediano in CONCACAF Champions League play, but a victory over Pumas would settle things down somewhat and silence the club’s critics before they start.

Prediction: Cruz Azul 2-1.

FRIDAY

Pachuca vs. Queretaro, 8 p.m. ET

Welcome back to the Primera Division, Queretaro! Your first task: face one of the best teams around. Los Gallos Blancos are likely happier to be facing Pachuca than, say Pumas Morelos or Lobos BUAP but winning the final Primera A title (before its name changed to the Liga de Ascenso) is considerably easier than challenging for a Primera Division title. Queretaro were one of two clubs who did not debut during the first week as their match against Atlante was moved to Aug. 26. For Pachuca, the match will be played early to give los Tuzos a chance to leisurely travel to Guatemala for their CONCACAF Champions League match. That series is no longer in doubt as los Tuzos destroyed a bad Jalapa side 3-0 midweek. Queretaro are better than Jalapa, but only by a goal.

Prediction: Pachuca 3-1.

SATURDAY

Jaguares vs. Toluca, 4 p.m. ET

Toluca are a shell of their former selves. Sure, the team returned most of the players who helped lead the team to the Liguilla a year ago, but the team suffered in their 4-3 win over Chivas a week ago. Ejected from that game were Zinha and Francisco Gamboa, as well as manager Jose Manuel “Chepo” De La Torre. Add to that the suspensions of Hernan Cristante and Hector Raul Mancilla that carried over from last season and Toluca are in a hole. Edgar Dueñas and Carlos Esquivel return from international duty, however. Jaguares, meanwhile, looked like a revamped squad in handing Cruz Azul a 2-0 loss. Adolfo “Bofo” Bautista was on top of his game, and if he continues to play like he did a week ago he will don the national team jersey once more and, perhaps more important to Jaguares fans, will lead his team to success this season.

Prediction: Jaguares 2-0.

Monterrey vs. Atlas, 4 p.m. ET

Ricardo Lavolpe returned to Monterrey last season and received a rude welcome from his former club. Atlas took a quick 2-0 lead but Monterrey eventually battled back and equalized the match, with Lavolpe target Jose Maria Basanta scoring the equalizer. Monterrey’s success last season was directly attributed to Lavolpe, even though he did not manage the team during the season. He built up a strong team and Victor Manuel Vucetich took advantage. Now, Lavolpe is putting forth an Atlas club he has molded. He made some bold moves, such as getting rid of Bruno Marioni and Jorge Achucarro, but Atlas did well to defeat Pumas in the opener. Atlas’ success should continue in Monterrey.

Prediction: Draw, 1-1.

Chivas vs. Tigres, 8 p.m. ET

Chivas’ result on Sunday was a clinic in what not to do. First, Chivas squandered an early lead and went down by two. But the club battled back and tied the match only to completely unravel. Up two men late in the game, Chivas gave away a silly free kick on a counterattack that would have yielded nothing. Then, the wall moved forward which cost Hector Reynoso a red card. Israel Lopez scored the game-winner deep in stoppage time as a result. While that was not meant to be, this match against Tigres needs to result in three points. The ever-present expectations of a championship are there, and a loss or even draw to Tigres here would place a boatload of early pressure on the club. In Tigres, Chivas will see the result of previous unrealistic expectations and itchy trigger fingers. Daniel Guzman was sacked by Chivas years ago but went on to win a league title with Santos. Now, he’s trying to rescue Tigres from relegation while building a competitive team in the process.

Prediction: Draw, 0-0.

SUNDAY

Puebla vs. Estudiantes Tecos 1 p.m. ET

Last season, each of these teams fell by the wayside in the Liguilla. While each team surprised in even reaching that far, the teams bowed out after tough matches against eventual-champion Pumas. For both teams, a return trip to the Liguilla would be welcomed and possibly even surprising. Both clubs lost key players in the offseason - Puebla said goodbye to Duilio Davino, Ramon Nuñez and Daniel Osorno while Estudiantes bid farewell to Jesus Corona. After this match, one team’s fortunes could improve while the other might wonder if the right moves were made in the offseason. Carlos Ruiz suffered nasal fractures and a dislocated finger a week ago but should be ready to play against Estudiantes. Perhaps “El Pescadito” can make his home debut a successful one.

Prediction: Puebla 2-0.

America vs. Morelia, 5 p.m. ET

Home sweet home was home wretched home for America a year ago. Estadio Azteca was not much of a fortress to America during the Clausura 2009 season as America won just once at home. This season, America need to show more at home, and it must be from the start of the season. Morelia are a formidable foe and a win over Morelia would send a message to the rest of the league that America are for real this season. Pavel Pardo has a full season since returning from Germany under his belt and America showed a lot during the World Football Challenge, so the preseason went as well as could have been expected. There seems to be no excuses for not winning more at home. However, Guillermo Ochoa has been ruled out. For Morelia, new Tricolor standout Miguel Sabah will now try and keep his hot streak going. He needs to do so, to prevent the club’s terrible misfortune in not being able to score much during last season.

Prediction: America 2-1.

Santos vs. Indios, 5 p.m. ET

Inconsistency has plagued Santos Laguna since the start of 2009. Favored to at least reach the playoffs, the Apertura 2009 semifinalists struggled to be competitive. Manager Daniel Guzman gave way to Sergio Bueno but the inconsistency continued. Semifinalists in the CONCACAF Champions League, Santos failed to reach the playoffs. The offseason cost Santos a valuable player as Christian Benitez was sent to Birmingham of the English Premiership. Carlos Ochoa was brought in but is trying to find his own form; adjusting to his new club is another challenge altogether. Indios seem like a good club to find your rhythm against. Indios are a solid enough club - they did reach the Clausura semifinals after all - but the team is not going to put a lot of off pressure on your defense. In Santos’ case, the forwards and midfielders might have a chance to adjust and get to know one another.

Prediction: Santos 1-0.

Luis Bueno is Goal.com’s Mexico editor.

This past weekend the Mexican Apertura started.  The target reader of this blog is not very familiar with Mexican Football, so I will provide as much organized information as I can, although this is not the main focus of this site.  I have found that Goal.com is by far the best site for this kind of information, and that’s why I have posted several of their previews for the upcoming season.  There is a ton of information on Goal.com, what I do is take what is relevant to my readers and re-post it here with full credit to Goal.com.

Guadalajara will try to win their first league title since the Apertura 2006 season with much of the same squad that failed to reach the Clausura 2009 Liguilla.

Jul 23, 2009 12:26:07 AM

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Javier Hernandez- Chivas (Mexsport)

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• Guadalajara

Chivas failed to advance to the Liguilla in the Clausura 2009, but are ready to give it another shot for the Apertura 2009. The team was placed with Indios, Atlas, Toluca, San Luis, and newly promoted Gallos Blancos in Group 1

Clausura 2009 Record: 5-6-6, 21 points. Goals Scored: 21. Goals Allowed: 20. Leading Scorer: ‘Chicharo’ Hernandez. Primera Division Titles: 11. Last League Title: Apertura 2006. Last Playoff Appearance: Clausura 2008, lost in the quarterfinals to Monterrey.

Preseason Recap

Chivas started out the preseason on Mexican soil. They first played against the Gallos Blancos of Queretaro winning 3-2. Then they won 2-0 against the Leones Negros of the U. de G. The third game of the preseason was against Merida where they drew 0-0. Chivas drew 1-1 on the last preseason game on Mexican soil against Xoloitzcuintles of Tijuana .

The team then headed off to Europe for a tour. In the first game against Heracles Almelo El Rebaño fell 2-1 to the team from the Netherlands. The next clash against Turkish team Sivasspor they drew 2-2. In the final game, Chivas won 1-0 against PAOK Salonika of Greece.

In, Out, and Missing Men

Unlike for the Clausura 2009, Chivas opted for no new additions to the squad and decided to stick with young players. However, they did let of Carlos Ochoa, Jared Borgetti, and Francisco “Panchito” Mendoza who all joined the team for the Clausura 2009.

Chivas will be without a few players to start of the season. Xavier Baez will be missing through suspension for the first game. Alberto Medina and Johnny Magallon will also be gone due to participation with the Mexican national team, but may return depending on the result against Costa Rica. Omar Arellano will also be out with the reoccurring fifth metatarsal injury that took him out during his stay with the Mexican national team during the Gold Cup.

Season Outlook

Chivas will remain with a similar squad as the previous season. The players who left were not a significant part of the team, and it doesn’t seem like their departure will affect the current harmony of the squad. Paco Ramirez will also continue as the manager, but will need to achieve quick results because owner Jorge Vergara has a short tolerance for managers. With the young players, such as ‘Chicharo’ Hernandez and Marco Fabian, gaining more and more experience they’ll be sure to make an impact.

During the Clausura 2009 Chivas came close to getting into the Liguilla, and with a little more experience, they should be able to achieve it during the Apertura 2009.

Andrea Martinez, Goal.com

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Pavel Pardo y Armando Navarrete- America (Mexsport)

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• America

Club America will hope to once again reinstate their identity as one of the top teams in Mexico in the upcoming Apertura season. They have had a busy off season with the signing of reinforcements and with the World Football Challenge. Las Aguilas will try to erase the horrendous Clausura that they had by having a great Apertura. The pieces are there but if they are capable of pulling it off still remains to be seen.

Las Aguilas’ first plan of attack will be to reach the Liguilla. They have not been in the Liguilla since the Clausura of 2007 where they reached the final and lost to Pachuca. Ironically enough that was the last game for their star player Cuauhtémoc Blanco who signed with the Chicago Fire leaving the Aguilas without their wingman.

Things only got worse last season. America seemed incapable of wining at home. The once fortress of the Aguilas seemed more like a run down shack. Every team that came into town knew they had an almost certain win. America; however, managed to rescue one win at home in the last game of the season. The victim was their brother Necaxa, who were relegated after their loss.

In order for America to be a serious contender this season it is obvious they will need to win at home. They need to make the Azteca into a place of fear for their opponents. As soon as the wins start coming at home the fan base will once again show up to watch games, which is something they were missing last season.

The offense will also be needed to be based on someone else other than Salvador Cabañas. Cabañas converted more than half of America’s total goals last season. Las Aguilas though have reinforced the front bringing in forward Daniel Montenegro from the Argentine club Independiente.

The defense also needed some adjustment after conceding 27 goals last season. They have brought in Ricardo Rojas from the relegated Necaxa. Perhaps the most significant signing though was that of Aquivaldo Mosquera. They acquired the Colombian from Spanish side Sevilla where he had played since 2007.

Two more key acquisitions for America in the offseason can be reflected in the midfield. They made a move for Israel “Jagger” Martinez and brought him back from San Luis. Las Aguilas also reached into their pockets and were able to get ex-Corinthian Adolfo Rosinei.

Not only has America been busy with the transfer market but they have been trying to find as much cohesion as possible in the preseason. The heads of America did a great job in organizing America’s play in the World Football Challenge. By the time the Apertura season kicks off, they will have faced three European powerhouses which is more than what you could ask for, for preseason preparation.

There is one more matter that America are still working on though. Michel Bauer, president of America, made it clear that talks with Cuauhtémoc Blanco on his return to the Aguilas are well underway.

“We are respecting his contract. We have talked about his return to America but we know that he is with Chicago. We will continue these talks and as soon as the MLS season ends he will know that the doors are open for him to comeback,” Bauer said to oem.com.

With Blanco back success would be in reach since the coveted player is known to bring success.

Losses:

Fernando Ortiz (Def)
Edgar Castillo (Def)
Enrique Vera (Mid)
Robert De Pinho (Fwd)

Reinforcements:

Fernando Lopez (Def)
Aquivaldo Mosquera (Def)
Israel Martinez (Mid)
Daniel Montenegro (Fwd)
Adolfo Rosinei (Mid)
Ricardo Rojas (Def)

Season outcome: America will finally make it to the Liguilla this season. Their championship hopes though will end in the semifinal round.

Sylvestre Adame, Goal.com

Pumas will try to do what only one Mexican club has been able to accomplish and win consecutive short-season titles.

Jul 24, 2009 9:50:10 AM

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Pablo Barrera - Pumas (Mexsport)

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• Pumas

Pumas UNAM, which are the only club to have won the Mexican league title consecutively in the short-season format, will be looking to repeat history when they defend their Clausura 2009 Championship. Last season Pumas had to endure what on paper looked like an impossible group going up against the likes of Cruz Azul, America, and Guadalajara. This season, however, Pumas have a more accessible group with rivals like Atlante, Tigres, Estudiantes, Santos and cross-town rivals Cruz Azul.

Back to Basics

For many years Pumas was regarded as Mexico’s breeding grounds for future stars having churned out the likes of Hugo Sanchez, Claudio Suarez, Alberto Garcia Aspe and Jorge Campos amongst others. In recent years the club’s youth academy seemed to have been all but forgotten. That was until last season when the club’s directives decided to stop spending on acquisitions and started focusing once again on their own players. The gamble paid off and Pumas ran away with the Clausura 2009 championship.

With Pumas going back to their old ways, concentrating more on player development, having Ricardo “Tuca” Ferretti at the helm has become an essential component in the clubs success. According to the Brazilian he is not the typical manager but a trainer that works with players; making him the perfect fit for Pumas ideology. “I do not consider myself a technical director, I consider myself a trainer, even if they seem the same they are not. A trainer dedicates himself to specific details, individual improvement, and the technical director dedicates more time to tactics. I am below that and do not consider myself a technical director, unlike senor Meza, La Volpe, and Aguirre, I am below that,” explained Ferretti.

Bleak Outlook

If pre-season results are any indication of what to expect from Pumas in the Apertura 2009 tourney then the defending champions seem to be headed for a rough-start. “There is no time for worrying; we have always taken care of these situations that are not the most favorable for the team. We are aware that the few training time we have had we tried to do it with the most quality as possible,” admitted Francisco Palencia after Pumas scoreless draw against Jaguares. The match signaled the second game in which Pumas failed to score a goal and their third straight winless match having lost to Puebla (4-0) and group rivals Atlante (3-1). Still, the veteran striker feels that Pumas has what it takes to rise to the top. “The team has a winning mentality and will take advantage of this week to reach the season opener in the best shape possible. We are conscious that we are not in our best moment but there is much illusion, determination, and attitude to reach the first game of the season in the best shape possible”.

Promising Future

Pablo Barrera is Pumas latest prodigy having been with the club since he was 12 years of age; the young striker has already etched his own history with the club. After overcoming a ruptured cruciate ligament injury that sidelined him for six months Barrera returned in the Clausura 2009 season and played a key role in Pumas championship win. Barrera’s goal, in the second-half of overtime, allowed Pumas to defeat Pachuca and win their sixth league title. Barrera is currently with the Mexican national team, competing in the CONCACAF Gold Cup, and has already scored what can only be described as a world class goal. Indeed, Barrera’s first time volley, off a Giovani Dos Santos corner kick cross, to seal Mexico’s four-nil win over Haiti can only be a glimpse of what the Pumas upstart has in store for the future.

Uphill Battle

Pumas championship defense will begin with a grueling three game schedule that begins at the famed Jalisco stadium as the Universitarios open the season against a hungry Rojinegros de Atlas. Pumas then host group and cross-town rivals Cruz Azul before heading out to the Devil’s Cauldron to take on Toluca. A though start to the season as Pumas will be tested at every turn. Atlas, with the technical director Ricardo Lavolpe at the helm, plays the type of fast paced game that can expose Pumas pre-season slump. Cruz Azul, also helmed by another technical director in Enrique Meza, have invested heavily and reinforced their squad at every spot. The Cementeros will be looking to avenge their 3-2 Clausura defeat and now have the squad to accomplish just that. Toluca, one of the favorites to win the Apertura championship, already defeated Pumas last season and will be a tougher opponent in their own home.

Final Outcome

Despite a rocky start to the season Pumas has what it takes to outlast their Group 3 opponents which seem to lack the solid foundation that has brought recent success to the Universitarios. Tigres first concern will be to avoid being relegated. The squad was a disaster last season and their first priority will be to avoid the drop. Atlante, despite winning the CONCACAF Champions Cup, finished the Clausura tourney with a minus three goal differential and they currently seem too distracted with the FIFA Club’s World Cup to have fixed their problems. Santos Laguna failed to reach the playoffs last season and on top of that lost their coach to Tigres and sold off their leading striker Christian Benitez to Birmingham City. None of their replacements seem to be upgrades. Estudiantes, formerly known as Tecos UAG, have gone through a transformation of not only name and kit but administration. It is still uncertain whether the clubs new direction will prove beneficial. That leaves Cruz Azul the “Cement Mixers” should be Pumas direct challengers to lead the group. Overall, Pumas experience and continuity should be enough to take them to the playoffs where the club’s lack of depth will be exposed. A first round Liguilla exit should serve as a farewell to Pumas old guard.

Joel Aceves, Goal.com

Cruz Azul were the laughingstock of Mexico in the Clausura ‘09 season, but new faces will ensure that such a fate does not await the club this season.

Jul 24, 2009 9:54:05 AM

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Javier Orozco, Cesar Villaluz y Pablo Zeballos- Cruz Azul vs Puerto Rico Islanders (Mexsport)

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• Cruz Azul

Cruz Azul reached consecutive finals in 2008 as the team reached the Clausura and Apertura finals. Although la Maquina still did not break their decade-plus-long title-less streak, hopes were high for another run dep into the Clausura 2009 playoffs.

Things did not go according to plan, however. Cruz Azul had the worst season in club history as they finished dead last for the first time ever. Manager Benjamin Galindo paid with his job as he was sacked before the season ran out. A run to the final of the CONCACAF Champions League final did not do the club any favors though as Cruz Azul lost to Atlante in the final.

But things have changed over the offseason and as Cruz Azul enters the Apertura 2009 season, there is hope in Estadio Azul once more.

The Man In Charge

To help turn things around, Cruz Azul turned to former manager Enrique Meza. Over the last three yeras, Meza worked wonders with Pachuca as he helped usher in a new era for los Tuzos. Under Meza, Pachuca became the first Mexican club to win a South American tournament, won the 2007 CONCACAF Champions League and SuperLiga, and won the Clausura 2007 title.

For Cruz Azul to expect such an array of titles in such a short span is perhaps a bit unrealistic but Meza’s recent success makes him more apt to not settle for anything but a turnaround.

Cruz Azul became a poor defensive team last season and Meza’s trademark with Pachuca was tough defending. If Meza can replicate some of the defensive success he enjoyed with los Tuzos in Estadio Azul, la Maquina’s outlook could be bright.

New Faces

Perhaps the most important addition Cruz Azul made was goalkeeper Jose de Jesus Corona. The most valued offseason commodity, Cruz Azul scored a late coup in getting Corona and prying him away from Tigres, who apparently were all but set to sign Corona.

A strong and underrated goalkeeper, Corona could become a star playing for a high-profile team. Corona’s skills were never in question during his Tecos career, but playing as the third team in a city that featured Chivas and Atlas, Corona was often overlooked. Now with Cruz Azul, Corona’s talents will be on display in a club that is constantly under the media spotlight.

Corona, though, is not the only newcomer. Ramon Nuñez joins Cruz Azul from Puebla and gives the team a potential offensive force. Nuñez came from out of nowhere last season but quickly established himself as a player to be dealt with. Nuñez’s presence could have a positive influence on fellow attacking players such as Cesar Villaluz, Luis Angel Landin and Pablo Zeballos, among others.

No Repeat Of History

In their attempt to reach their third consecutive league final, Cruz Azul bombed miserably. A poor defense was mostly to blame, though the confidence sagged from the start. Cruz Azul never looked like a dangerous squad at any point of the Clausura ‘09 season. A strong and winning mentality is necessary for Cruz Azul to change their mode of operations, and that could happen soon. With Meza around, the confidence seemingly improves as the club can truly wipe the slate clean from the Clausura failures.

Cruz Azul have not won a league title since 1997 and that 12-year drought drags on the club. But with the team’s expectations low, it seems the opportunity is there for Cruz Azul to surprise their critics and make a run to the playoffs at least.

Goal.com

Goal.com’s Andrea Martinez takes a look at Group 1 in the upcoming Apertura 2009 season.

Jul 24, 2009 2:11:13 PM

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Julio Frias y Juan Pablo Rodriguez- Toluca vs Indios (Mexsport)

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Atlas

Clausura 2009 Record: 5-6-6, 21 points. Goals Scored: 22. Goals Allowed: 29. Leading Scorer: Gonzalo Vargas and Bruno Marioni(5 goals each).

In: Daniel Andrés Ríos(Toluca), Hebert Efraín Alferez(Dorados),Damián Barbosa(River Plate), Omar Trujillo (Morelia), Daniel Osorno(Puebla), Mario Pérez (Necaxa),Mario Méndez(Toluca), Miguel Zepeda(Santos),Gerardo Espinoza(Santos)

Out: Bruno Marioni,  Jorge Hermández, Gregorio Torres, Jorge Daniel Achucarro, Christian Emmanuel Sánchez,  Pedro Hernández, Oscar Salvador Vera, Alfredo Sánchez,

Lucas Emanuel Ayala, Jaime Durán

Season Preview: Atlas has been reinforced once again, and will provide strong competition. Ricardo La Volpe seems to get more and more out of the team as long as the office troubles are kept out. They were close to making it to the Liguilla during the Clausura 2009, but ended up missing out by just a few points. Although Bruno Marioni will be gone from Atlas, this time around they’ll surely make it further.

Chivas

Clausura 2009 Record: 5-6-6, 21 points. Goals Scored: 21. Goals Allowed: 20. Leading Scorer: ‘Chicharo’ Hernandez.

In: None

Out: Isaac Romo, Sergio Rodríguez, Emilio López, Francisco Mendoza, Jared Borgetti, Alfredo Talavera, Arturo Javier Ledesma, José Antonio Patlán

Season Preview: Chivas had a tumulus campaign during the Clausura 2009. It’s hard to believe that there were three different coaches at the helm during the short tournament. Finally, it seems like Vergara will stick with Francisco ’Paco’ Ramirez(as long as he provides results, of course). There were also no new reinforcements, but the young players are sure to step up.

Gallos Blancos

Clausura 2009(Liga de Ascenso): 6-8-2, 20 points. Goals Scored: 28. Goals Allowed: 25.

In: Mauro Vila (Defensor Sporting), Isaac Romo(Chivas), Sergio Rodríguez(Chivas), Emilio López (Chivas), Joaquín Beltrán (Cruz Azul), Orlando Pineda (Pumas),

José Guadalupe Martínez(Estudiantes), Alfredo Omar Tena (América),

Héctor Castro(Monterrey), Salvador Medina (Pumas Morelos), Diego Chavez(Wanderers(URU)), Mauro Vila (Defensor Sporting), Adrián Romero(Nacional (URU)), Carlos Gustavo Bossio(Lanús (ARG)), Antonio Barbosa(Durango)

Out: Joel Sanchez

Season Preview: The Gallos Blancos from Queretaro are the new boys to the league. The newly ascended team acquired many new players to reinforce the squad. In such a tough group, the team will have a tough time making it to the Liguilla.

Indios

Clausura 2009 Record: 5-4-8, 23 points. Goals Scored: 21. Goals Allowed: 22. Leading Scorer: Julio Daniel Frias.

In: Rodrigo Fernandes(Guaratinguetá (BRA)), Alain Kong(Bolougne (FRA)),

César Lozano(Toluca), Tomás Campos(Cruz Azul), Héctor Horacio Giménez(San Luis), Sindey Balderas(Tigres)

Out: Cirilo Saucedo, Javier Saavedra, Juan Carlos Franco, Juan Augusto Gómez,

Jorge Alberto Rodríguez

Season Preview: Indios were on the verge of relegation during the Clausura 2009, but they had a surge and even made it far into the Liguilla. Although they gave a nice surprise, it might be hard for Indios to repeat their success this time around.

San Luis

Clausura 2009 Record: 4-8-5, 17 points. Goals Scored: 21. Goals Allowed: 27. Leading Scorer: Victor Hugo Lojero, Tressor Moreno, Jose Rodolfo Reyes, Noe Maya(all had 3 goals each).

In: Pablo Aguilar(Colón de Santa Fe), Alfredo Moreno(América),

Octavio Váldez(Monterrey), César Augusto Valoyes(Veracruz),

Eduardo Germán Coudet(Necaxa), Marvin de la Cruz(Necaxa), Jorge Bernal(Necaxa)

Out: Ángel Eduardo Reyna, Israel Martínez, Héctor Horacio Giménez,

Alfredo González Tahuilán, Diego Andrés Álvarez

Season Preview: San Luis didn’t have a strong performance in the Clausura 2009. They ended up near the bottom of the table, and unfortunately, had seemed to focus more on the Copa Libertadores than on the local league. That decision didn’t pay off because the Mexican teams were taken out of the tournament due to the H1N1 flu outbreak. Although several new players have joined the team, it doesn’t seem like they’ll move very far from their position in the last season.

Toluca

Clausura 2009 Record: 10-1-6, 36 points. Goals Scored: 34. Goals Allowed: 19. Leading Scorer: Hector Raul Mancilla.

In: Alfredo Talavera(Chivas)

Out: Mario Méndez, César Lozano, Sergio Santana, Álvaro Ortiz, Daniel Andrés Ríos,

Paulo César da Silva

Season Preview: Toluca are always strong contenders in the Mexican league, and the Apertura 2009 will be no different. There has only been one addition to the roster, while well known defender Paulo da Silva has gone to English team, Sunderland. Da Silva has been an important part of the team, but the move shouldn’t affect Toluca too much. As always, expect Toluca to have a strong performance.

Predicted Standings, Group 1

1. Toluca
2. Chivas
3. Atlas
4. Indios
5. San Luis
6. Gallos Blancos

Andrea Martinez, Goal.com

Goal.com’s Sylvestre Adame previews Group 2 of the upcoming Apertura 2009 season.

Jul 24, 2009 2:28:02 PM

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Felipe Baloy y Alvaro Gonzalez- Monterrey vs Puebla (Mexsport)

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Pachuca

Probably the biggest loss to Pachuca this season does not come from a player but rather a coach. Enrique “El Ojitos” Meza left the team in the offseason to repair a dismantled “Maquina”, Cruz Azul. Pachuca however reinforced their attack with the signing of Juan Carlos Cacho from Pumas. They also lost Jose Maria “Chema” Cardenas who played all but one game last season. Pachuca have kept its core players once again and with the guidance of new head coach Guillermo Rivarola, a trip to the Liguilla is more than sealed.

Jaguares

Jaguares had one of the best defenses last season. Edgar Hernandez came up big time after time only allowing 20 goals in the regular season.  They had a few internal problems with in especially with Adolfo Bautista and Itamar Batista. The way things were going one of them had to leave this season and that man was Itamar.  Jaguares did very little to bolster their attack only having Josiel Da Rocha as the most significant signing. Jaguares are still convinced that defense will win you games and it does. But down the stretch goals really matter and Jaguares will not have enough to make into the Liguilla.

Monterrey

Monterrey made it to the quarterfinal stages of the Liguilla last season only to be knocked out by a surprise team in Puebla. Monterrey also had a pretty good attack but the bulk of the work seems to always be done by Humberto Suazo. Monterrey though acquired Sergio Santana from Toluca to strengthen their attack and to help out Suazo. Monterrey also acquired veteran defender Duilio Davino from Puebla, who held his own last season. Monterrey did not help their cause this offseason the signings are not significant enough to make a difference. Monterrey will not make it into the Liguilla this season.

Puebla

Puebla came very close to making into the final last season. They lost out to Pumas in the finals minutes to be knocked out. Jose Luis Sanchez Sola is back as manager after openly admitting to leaving the club last season. “El Chelis” has kept busy running his mouth in the offseason. In total, 15 new players come in as reinforcements to Puebla.  None of the new players are as recognized as the obvious pair that Puebla lost . Daniel Osorno and Duilio Davino will not be a part of Puebla in the Apertura. Puebla’s good fortune has come to an end. “El Chelis’” lack of control over his mouth will eventually cause the team problems. Puebla again will be in the bottom of the rungs for this season.

Morelia

Morelia once again had another dreadful season, but they will try to turn things around in the Apertura. Morelia did turn it up at the end of the season but just missed the Liguilla. “Las Monarcas” were expected to get someone else to help Miguel Sabah in the scoring department. They opted to bring back Luis Gabriel Rey, who played with Morelia from 2005-2007. They also signed Jorge Hernandez who was part of the 2005 U-17 Champion team. Hernandez only 20 has yet to make a name for himself after being signed by Barcelona a few years back. Morelia put little focus on the striker department which will ultimately hurt them in the Apertura. Morelia sneaks into the Liguilla but will have an early exit.

America

Las Aguilas seemed to make all the right moves in the offseason. They have strengthened their weakened defense and also took a lot of the load off Salvador Cabañas. America signed players like Aqivaldo Mosquera, Daniel Montenegro, and Adolfo Rosinei. Las Aguilas also got rid of some extra weight during the off season. The team’s good result in the World Football Challenge is a reflection of things to come. If America keeps the steady play they’ve been showing alive, they could no doubt be serious contenders in the final. Cuauhtémoc Blanco could also be making a return to America later in the season. America after so much drought will make it back into the Liguilla where they will be knocked off in the semifinal round.

Predicted Order of Finish:

1 Pachuca
2. America
3. Morelia
4.Monterrey
5. Jaguares
6. Puebla

Sylvestre Adame, Goal.com

Yes I know the Apertura started this past weekend. Like it matters. Here is what Goal.com has to say about the upcoming season.

Goal.com’s Luis Bueno previews Group 3 of the upcoming Apertura 2009 season.
Jul 25, 2009 2:25:50 PM

Estudiantes

Until the end of the Clausura 2009 season, Estudiantes were known as Tecos UAG. But the club underwent a sort of re-branding with a new logo, new color scheme and a new name. Estudiantes is supposed to reflect more of than just the UAG as the club is trying to embrace university students across the country. The name may work but so too would success. Miguel “El Piojo” Herrera seemingly has some job security and appears to be building something for the long haul. While the club lost longtime goalkeeper Jose de Jesus Corona, Estudiantes added Bruno Marioni to the mix. A lethal scorer, Marioni seems poised for a big season after a falling out with Atlas. Marioni will likely try and prove himself to his former club, and Estudiantes should benefit.

Cruz Azul

Dead last, la Maquina were without much hope at the end of the Clausura 2009 season. But a makeover of sorts helped Cruz Azul bring a more competitive team to the table. Now, Cruz Azul weren’t exactly devoid of talent. They used many of the same players a year ago as they did during their run of consecutive finals appearances in 2008, but something was amiss. New manager Enrique Meza will try and sort out the club’s problems, and given his track record the club could find a quick turnaround.

Tigres

Tigres received a stroke of fortune on the final day of the Clausura 2009 season. A 1-1 tie against Morelia was enough for Tigres to stay in the top flight but had Necaxa won, Tigres would be playing in the second division now. As it stands, Tigres will try and further remove themselves from the bottom of the relegation table. New manager Daniel “Travieso” Guzman brings his high-spirited energy to the team, and has a proven track record. Guzman brought in players like Edgar Castillo and Gaston “Gata” Fernandez to mesh with players like Lucas Lobos and Francisco “Kikin” Fonseca. Tigres have an uphill battle but they sit in as good of a position as they could have hoped for once last season ended.

Pumas

Pumas are the only club to ever win consecutive short-season titles, as 2004 was the Year of the Puma. The club is trying make it a five-year thing and christen 2009 as the Year of the Puma, Part 2. Pumas have a talented and experienced group led by a strong manager in Ricardo “Tuca” Ferretti. The club overcame some early struggles in the Clausura 09 season and by having overcome then, won the league title and entering the season with much of the same foundation, Pumas should be strong from the start of the season and could contend for the superlider title as well.

Santos

Santos suffered through a strange season a year ago. Daniel Guzman seemed set in his role as manager and despite struggles in league, Santos were doing well in the CONCACAF Champions League. But Guzman was sacked and replaced by the dull Sergio Bueno. Not exactly a charismatic figure, Bueno’s appointment to the post seemed odd. But it worked, as Santos recovered and made an unexpected though failed run at the playoffs. Hopes are high as Santos have added Carlos Ochoa to the forward mix. Oswaldo Sanchez is no longer in the national team picture but that is a positive for Santos as his focus and attention will be on his club 100 percent of the time. Santos have shown that they are a club that cannot be counted out.

Atlante

The Apertura 2009 season will be a unique one for Atlante. They will be the only club in the league that has a pending date abroad at the end of the year. Atlante’s Apertura 2009 season will be a build-up for the FIFA Club World Cup, as Atlante will be an unlikely participant with the likes of Barcelona and Estudiantes de la Plata, formidable international foes. Atlante signed Santiago Solari, formerly of Inter Milan, and their attack should be more dangerous than it has been. Still, the question will be if Atlante will have their heads and their hearts on league play, or if the season will be a 17-game preparation for the Club World Cup.

Predicted Order of Finish

1. Pumas
2. Santos
3. Cruz Azul
4. Estudiantes
5. Atlante
6. Tigres

Luis Bueno, Goal.com

After I was gutted on Saturday evening watching TFC blow it in extra time, I was able to rejoice as Mexico crushed the USA 5 - 0.  Mexico needed this badly, if anything to just get their mojo back. The US team that comes into Azteca on Aug 12th will be very formidable, so Mexico better be ready.  In the meantime, those of us here in Mexico will enjoy the moment.  Here are the highlights.  Enjoy.